A planned summer sports camp aimed at bringing together young people from different communities in County Down has been called off due to objections surrounding the participation of a small group of children affiliated with a GAA club.

Youth members of East Belfast GAA were set to partake in Comber-based North Down Cricket Club's cross-community event which they had planned for this Friday (July 18), however, after a nearby Orange Lodge, Goldsprings of Comber L.O.L 1037, raised residential concerns, the camp was cancelled.

Posting on social media, Goldsprings of Comber L.O.L 1037 said: "A number of residents in the Comber area have expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed or perceived move of the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) into the local community.

"While the promotion of sport and youth engagement is widely supported across all sectors of society, many local residents have raised reservations about the GAA's cultural and historical affiliations. Specifically, there is unease regarding aspects of the organisation that have, in the past, celebrated or commemorated individuals associated with paramilitary activity." North Down Cricket Club also released a statement regarding the cancellation: "The Sport Summer Camp was created to give young people from different backgrounds a chance to enjoy cricket, try something new, and simply have fun. The plan was to involve ten different local sports and community groups — including organisations supporting ethnic minority communities — with the aim of building friendships through shared activity.

"A small group of children from a GAA club was just one part of that broader mix. As reaction to the event grew, we felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. With regret — and out of respect for all involved — we chose not to proceed."

East Belfast GAA responded by highlighting the club was "disappointed" at the cancellation in a statement and how its members saw the camp as "a great opportunity to engage with those who share our values of respect, togetherness, and inclusion."

The club continued: "The regrettable cancellation won't stop any of the organisations involved from continuing their great work in building bridges, promoting peace, and sharing spaces for sport."

Meanwhile, First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said the situation was "deeply worrying" and "unacceptable".

Posting on X, the First Minister said: "Children should be allowed to play together at summer camp without facing intolerance. These developments are deeply worrying and unacceptable. Sport has the power to unify. Political representatives must call this out. We need to send a clear message that we will continue moving forward together to build a brighter society and overcome such unacceptable intolerance."